I. KINDNESS WINS ONE AND LOSES ANOTHER (Matt. 26:1-16).
The stage was set in a wealthy home around a banquet table at which
reclined the honored guest, the Messiah and future King. Around Him
were His twelve future princes, each of whom coveted the highest place in
the kingdom. His host was a familiar personage to those in Jerusalem—
wealthy, prestigious, competent in legal matters, but recently a changed
man, the product of one of the King's miracles. And there were others, but
they were supposed to remain in the kitchen, out of sight.
Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha, seemingly oblivious to the
"pious" judgments of the assembled guests, crept into the dining room
where the guests were reclining at the table, broke an expensive flask of
extravagant perfume, and poured it on Jesus' feet, wiping them with her
long hair and washing them with her tears of love.
Though she did not intend anyone but Jesus to notice, the strong scent
soon betrayed her presence. Immediately, the. disciples and the host,
Simon, began to list their legal judgments. Surely, if Jesus knew her past,
He would have nothing to do with such a woman.
Judas' objection seemed very much to the point: " 'Why this waste?
For this ointment might have been sold for a large sum, and given to the
poor' " (Matt. 26:8, 9, RSV; compare John 12:4-6).
1.
How did. Jesus answer these criticisms? Matt. 26:10-13.
Those who have suffered group criticism for some act of social kind-
ness or religious devotion can fully appreciate Jesus' words. There is
nothing so heartless and cruel as condemnation of those whom Christ
has forgiven and redeemed. Since Christ no longer condemns believers
(Rom. 8:1), what right do we have to remember their sins against them?
2.
What was the result of Jesus' commendation of Mary? Matt.
26:14-16.
Judas's motives.
"Judas was treasurer for the disciples, and from their
little store he had secretly drawn for his own use, thus narrowing down
their resources to a meager pittance. . . . But had Christ unmasked Judas,
this would have been urged as a reason for the betrayal. And though
charged with being a thief, Judas would have gained sympathy, even
among the disciples. The Saviour reproached him not, and thus avoided
giving him an excuse for his treachery.
"But the look which Jesus cast upon Judas convinced him that the
Saviour penetrated his hypocrisy, and read his base, contemptible
character. And in commending Mary's action, which had been so
severely condemned, Christ had rebuked Judas. Prior to this, the Saviour
had never given him a direct rebuke. Now the reproof rankled in his
heart. He determined to be revenged. From the supper he went directly
to the palace of the high priest, where he found the council assembled,
84